ROAD TO OPPORTUNITY: FINDING THE WAY FORWARD THROUGH COVID-19 AND BEYOND
June 10, 2020
INTRODUCING OUR NEW VIDEO SERIES: SERVICE AND RECOVERY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
Episode #1: PACE, New Bedford
#CommunityActionWorks
DID YOU KNOW: We are
OPEN and
READY TO SERVE
The effects of the pandemic continue to compound the needs of the people we serve as well as many families seeking help for the first time.
The programs we run and services we provide are even more important now to help stabilize lives.
Prior to the pandemic, 1 in 11 MA households were Food Insecure. Currently, access to and affordability of food has increased dramatically.
Across the Commonwealth, VITA sites not only provide free tax prep (including virtual VITA), but also provide access to theEarned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) as well as other tax credits.
The EITC and the Child Tax Credit CTC have kept 150,000 people out of poverty in MA by helping them to bridge the wage gap.
PUBLIC POLICY MATTERS
The state funding for policy and programs are crucial in finding the way forward in Massachusetts, especially now when so many are being negatively impacted by COVID-19. Part of our response must include supporting public policies that will help our vulnerable friends and neighbors living with low incomes to weather this very trying period.
Please join us in supporting our TOP FY21 Priorities that will strengthen our social safety net now and into the future:
Strengthening Families through Affordable and Accessible Early Education and Care
Increase Head Start Line Item (3000-5000): $15M
Support Early Education Teacher Salary Line Item (3000-1042)
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Community Action Agencies across the state are addressing Food Insecurity
Special thanks to the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for recognizing that there is an urgent and increasing need for food due to the pandemic, and for providing our network with additional resources to address food insecurity.
PACE operates a mobile food pantry in the greater New Bedford area increasing access to food for those in need.
Check PACE out on Facebook for more information on the schedule or call
508-999-9920.
Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is helping to provide hot meals to COVID+ individuals in the Main South neighborhood in Worcester. WCAC is also operating a "virtual" food pantry for their Job & Education Center clients, providing the resources for them to go grocery shopping including resources for transportation.
Free Tax Prep is available at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. Federal and MA tax deadlines extended through July 15, 2020. Find your Community Action VITA site at masscap.org/freetaxprep and call now.
We urge you to support the FY21 priorities so that together we can move forward on the road to opportunity. Visit our
Public Policy Priorities webpage.
Get Everyone Counted:
Census 2020! Federal funding is at stake! Health care, education, and emergency planning all depend on getting an accurate census count.
COMMUNITY ACTION IN MA
Our Mission
To strengthen and connect the statewide network of Community Action Agencies and collectively advocate for an end to poverty.
Our Vision
All MA residents will be able to meet their basic needs, access economic opportunities, build strong communities and move toward prosperity...
Find your Agency
There are 23 Community Action Agencies in Massachusetts serving virtually every city and town in the state. To locate the agency in your area and learn more about the programs they offer, click here.
NOTE:
Community Action Agencies are observing the advice and directives of the Governor. Dedicated CAA staff are working remotely, stand ready to help, and continue to support people in need with services such as fuel assistance and food pantries. Please check your local CAA's website or call for information about how to access services.
